If you’re like me, you like to shoot some hoops every once in a while. But even when playing casually, it’s good to get a little competitive. You’ve always gotta be upping dem skillz, you know what I’m saying?
Taking your skillz to NBA level is going to take some time. But without proper equipment, you’ll never get there. So make sure to get your hands on some good gear. The whole game basically starts with a ball. So that’s what you need to be looking at first
Even for the casual b-baller, it can help to have a really good basketball. A high quality ball can help you increase your shooting percentage. And who knows… one day, you might get spotted by Air Jordan.
But not before you learn what a shooting percentage is. So let’s dive into that for a little bit, shall we?
What is The Shooting Percentage In Basketball?
Basketball field goal can cover different scoring aspects of the game including dunks and three pointers. Shooting percentage is an important statistic used to determine good players in the game of basketball. However, if you are new to the game, you might have problems trying to grasp these concepts. Most novices would assume that a field goal is similar to a jump shot. However, the answer is not as straight forward as most people would love to think, since there are numerous types of field goals in basketball. A field goal refers to any shot attempted by the player. However, this excludes free throws. It is one of the main statistics used when teams are making their selection of players, during off-season. A player with a high shooting or field goal percentage normally averages double points per game.
Usually, this percentage is arrived at by taking the number of successful field goals, versus the attempted number. The result is then multiplied by 100 to obtain a percentage. For example, if you attempted 10 field shots and only 4 were successful, then your filed goal percentage is 40%. This is an important percentage to consider during playoffs. Therefore, any attempted shot from the field is usually calculated as a field goal, thus contributing to the overall percentage. These include layoffs, jump shots or three pointers. You should also note that three pointers are usually calculated separately, although they are added to determine the overall field goal percentage.
When you hear announcers and coaches talking about field goal percentage, they normally refer to dunks and layups. These are the two field goals with the biggest success probability. Coaches prefer to see their players with high percentage shots. A player with better overall technical skills has a higher field goal percentage, as compared to a novice. However, field goal percentage is not the only parameter used to judge a player’s skills. For example, point guards normally have a lower field goal percentage, as compared to centers and forwards. On the other hand, a lower field goal percentage for an offensive player is normally indication poor skills.
As highlighted earlier, three pointers are normally calculated differently. For example, a player with a field goal or shooting percentage of 42%, and the majority of those shots are three point shots, would be considered more skillful than a player whose shooting percentage is 46% whose most shots are layups. Therefore, allowance is usually created for players whose field goal percentage is depressed as a result of taking their shots further from the ring.
How a Good Basketball Can Help Improve Shooting Percentage
Basketball is one of the few games that can be played indoors and outdoors. This means that it is important to choose a ball that is specific for certain playing conditions or surfaces. Choosing the right ball can have a direct impact on your shooting percentage, as well as your overall performance. Most outdoor basketballs are usually made of synthetic leather or composite leather. You can also come across some made of genuine leather, although it is not the best material for outdoor basketball. Composite leather is good quality and feels like genuine leather.
Avoid Leather Balls
Leather balls used to be very popular in the NBA. However, they were done away with, and they adopted composite leather. The main issue with leather is that, it requires a certain period to get used to. If you are new to the ball, controlling it might be an issue. This means that releasing the ball will become an issue. This eventually translates to a lower field goal percentage.
Composite Leather
This is one of the most common materials used to make professional basketballs. It is cheaper and more versatile. Apart from that, they don’t require any break in period. They are also perfectly suited for outdoor conditions. They will withstand the wear and tear of outdoor courts. Therefore, you will be able to retain its handling and control, and your shooting percentage will not be affected over time. If you are looking for a ball that will enhance or increase your overall shooting percentage, composite leather is highly recommended.
Rubber
Rubber is another material used for making outdoor basket balls. It is cheap and durable. Their main setback is that they tend be rougher when it comes to handling. Moreover, they don’t give you that nice feeling on the hands. If you have issues handling the ball, this might translate to your shot success, thus affecting your overall shooting percentage.
Design
Design plays a very crucial role, when it comes to shooting percentage. A properly designed ball can increase your shooting percentage, while a poorly designed one can lower your field goal percentage. Majority of basketballs bear the same design of pebbling, threading, bladder and the channel. The black lines that are usually visible on the surface of the ball are channels where the panels have been sealed together.
Pebbles give the ball texture and grip. The arrangement of the channel has a great impact, towards your overall performance. Widely spaced channels will give the ball better handling, thus enhancing your shooting accuracy. The pebbles on the surface determine the grip of the ball. A ball with a nice grip will provide better handling and control. Therefore, a properly designed ball with nice grip, and proper channeling can increase your shooting percentage.
Weight and Performance
Most professional basketballs come with standard weight and sizes. Therefore, you should always consider those specifications, whenever you are buying a ball. Anything heavier or lighter than the standard sizes, will always affect the flight of the ball. For example a very light ball can be affected by windy conditions, which are common outside. This lowers accuracy and precision, while lowering your shooting percentage. Therefore, always adhere to the standards, and you will notice a consistent increase in your shooting percentage. Always remember that a even a slight improvement in your shooting percentage can win you more games.
Pro Tip On How To Improve Your B-Ball Game
If you’re dead serious about making improving your game, then you need to make sure you keep yourself accountable. And when it comes to that, there’s a gym rat or two who can tell you how to do that. You ever seen fitness bros hitting the gym together? That’s because they’re each other’s workout partners! The reason why good friends will have more success working together, is because they don’t want the other guy outperforming them. So their gains (or game, if you’re a baller) goes up.
Workout partners not only work in fitness, but also in basketball. Except in b-ball they’re called b-ball partners. Or ball partners for short. So get a ball partner already! Agree with him to play two or three times a week and then make each other stick to it. Don’t just play each other, but challenge each other. Provide constructive criticism for each other. But don’t just play… also watch videos of your favorite ballers and steal their techniques. Or simply do a YouTube search for ‘basketball tutorials’. You’ll be overwhelmed in many hours of tutorial material. Enough that you won’t be able to take it all in in a lifetime.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how it’s done.
Best Outdoor Basketball Reviews
1. Spalding NBA Street Basketball
- Official size and weight: Size 7, 29.5" or...
- Performance outdoor rubber cover
- Deep channel design for superior control
- Ships Deflated
For an outdoor basketball, durability, balance and grip are very vital considerations. This Spalding high quality outdoor basketball delivers on all those fronts. One of the main features of this b-ball is its durability. This ball is able to retain its effectiveness and strength for many years. However, this should not come as a surprise, since Spalding’s b-balls are designed for last and longevity, whether for indoor or outdoor use. That is why they are the official suppliers of basketballs used in the NBA. This street basketball comes with performance rubber covers which are highly durable on outdoor concrete or asphalt courts. Just like other balls with rubber covers, the one used on this ball gives it a soft feeling, a quality desired by many players. You will immediately notice how different it feels on your hands, as compared to others in the market. Another key feature of this b-ball is its superior grip. The longitudinal, black and deep channels on its surface provide the excellent grip. Therefore, you have total ball control as well as excellent ball handling when on the court. Once you get used to this ball, you will enjoy its bounce, dribble and overall performance.
2. Wilson Evolution Game Basketball
- WILSON Evolution Indoor Game Basketball, Royal,...
- THE #1 INDOOR BALL: The Evolution is the #1 indoor...
- SIGNATURE EVO FEEL: The soft feel that the...
- ULTIMATE CONTROL: Pebbled composite channels...
- NFHS APPROVED: Approved for play by the National...
Wilson Revolution is renowned for consistent styling, innovation, as well as superior quality products. It’s, therefore, easy to see why the Wilson Evolution Game basketball remains one of the most basketballs among high school teams and recreational players. Compared to other similar basketballs that are currently on the market, the Wilson Evolution Game basketball has a better grip. Its composite leather cover, combined with the microfiber pebbling delivers the right balance between softness and handling. You will also notice that the ball’s grooves are wider than other brands, further enhancing its great handling experience.
Its bounce is predictable and even while its dribbling is true to form, thanks to the company’s exclusive cushion core technology. As one of the best indoor basketball, the Wilson Evolution Game usually outlasts most of its competitors. You can expect this ball to maintain its grip, color and superior bounce for a minimum of two years or more years, even with heavy abuse.
Designed and built with utmost precision, this ball is superbly balanced. Whether you are attempting to land a shot from distance or you are passing the ball to your teammates, you can expect nothing less than top-notch performance when you are using this ball. It also adheres to all the requirements and standards set out by the NBA. From its superior craftsmanship to its exceptional handling, the Wilson Evolution Game Basketball is worth every dollar.
3. Wilson NCAA Replica Game Basketball
- Whether you're playing in The Final Four or...
- Replica of the NCAA Game Ball
- Moisture absorbing material offers superior grip...
- Laid in composite channels provides a 100...
- The soft feel of the balls' cushion core carcass...
This is a b-ball designed for both indoor and outdoor use. It is highly suitable for younger players, due to its materials, flight dynamics and handling. It adheres to all NCAA requirements, which translates to serious playtime for all users. Is moisture-absorption ability is one feature that has given it a wider appeal, among many basketball players. Your hands are highly likely to become wet from sweat when playing basketball. The good news is that this Wilson ball comes with materials that can wick moisture away. This means that it will remain dry throughout the entire play time. Additionally, you will not have issues of the ball slipping from your hands or even losing control. With its composite leather construction, you get value for money. This type of leather is used in professional basketballs, due to its high durability and most importantly excellent performance. Looking at its construction, you can easily tell the ball is meant for outdoor playing surfaces. It has a tacky feel and a nice grip giving you better handling and control.
4. Mikasa BX1000 Premium Rubber Basketball
- Size 5 - 27.5"
- Outdoor use
- Orange; Outdoor use
- Item may require inflation to achieve proper...
- For optimal performance, additional inflation may...
Outdoor courts normally have rough surfaces, which might affect the durability of the ball. Such factors were taken into consideration, during the design of the Mikasa BX1000. It features premium rubber covers, which are extremely durable. As much as it is offered with a 1 year warranty, the ball will definitely last several years, without needing a replacement. Gracing the rubber surface is a dense pebble design, giving the ball a nice grip. Players with smaller palms will have no problems enjoying their game, thanks to the nice grip. This is especially a nice feature for passing control, especially for street basketball. Even when the ball becomes dirty, it does not lose much grip, which is something rare in many outdoor basketballs. It has slightly deeper channels which come in handy during release. The deeper channels also add to the overall durability of this ball. The bounce is consistent and the ball is available in a wide range of sizes.
5. GlowCity Light Up Basketball, Official Size and Weight
- 30 HOURS OF GLOW - Perfect for kids, teens and the...
- IMPACT ACTIVATED - Ready to glow up the night? Our...
- THICK SKINNED - Each glowing basketball has a...
- SIMPLE SETUP - This glow up basketball comes with...
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As a basketball enthusiast, you may sometimes want to continue playing long after dark, so that you can enhance and sharpen your dribbling and shooting skills even further. However, this is almost impossible, if you are using an ordinary ball. And this is where the GlowCity Light-Up basketball comes in. As its name suggests, this light-up outdoor basketball is designed to keep you playing and enjoying your game, even when it’s dark outside.
This outdoor basketball for youth comes with two high-quality LEDs, which illuminate the whole ball, producing a bright glow. The lights are impact activated, which means they will only light up and glow when you kick or bounce this ball. After you’ve finished playing, the lights will then shut off on their own after approximately 30 seconds of no activity. In short, there is no mechanical switch on the ball, which may affect its handling. The batteries will last for approximately 30 hours of active play. After that, you will need to replace them. Fortunately, this ball also comes with an extra set of batteries.
The GlowCity light-up basketball is made of high-quality materials. Furthermore, it plays just like a normal outdoor basketball. You will not encounter any irregular bouncing or wobbling. Also, the LED lights are firmly secured inside the ball, which means they will not come off and start rolling inside. With the GlowCity outdoor basketball, you no longer have to stop playing just because it’s dark outside. You can keep playing, deep into the night.
6. AND1 Xcelerate Rubber Basketball Official Regulation Size
- OFFICIAL SIZE BALL: The AND1 Xcelerate full size...
- PLAY ANYWHERE: Our indoor outdoor basketball can...
- FLAT CHANNEL CONSTRUCTION: The AND1 Xcelerate grip...
- DURABILITY: This rubber basketball is made from...
- GAME READY: Our 29.5 basketball ships inflated and...
If you are looking for an outdoor basketball that offers a nice grip, composed handling, and long air retention, then the AND1 Xcelerate rubber basketball is a good choice. Made from high-quality rubber, this outdoor basketball for youth is built to withstand wear and tear and last for many years.
Whether you are playing at the school court or in the streets with your friends, this ball is perfect for all your playing needs. This outdoor basketball comes with enhanced pebbling, which gives you a firm grip, to enable you to dribble, pass, and shoot with ease and precision. It comes already inflated, meaning you can start using it right away. A pump is also included, which you can use to inflate it whenever the need arises. And since it’s a regulation size basketball, you can use it for both casual basketball and competitive games. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best basketballs for the money.
Hi Brian,
Very indepth review.
I prefer since i was a kid the Spaulding brown undoor/outdoor ball
Hi Rouben,
Yeah, a lot of people do. I don’t play bball often, but when I do… it’s with a Spalding!
Sincerely,
Brian
what? you “don’t play bball often”? do you still pretend to be credible? c’mon, this is not serious. Thanks for your frankness, this review is useless.
That’s not a review. That’s a comment.
Ultimate never made the cut?
Hi Carl,
This it?
Just kidding.
Point them out to me, because I’m not finding them.
Sincerely,
Brian
Hi Brian,
I am looking for a youth basketball for my 11 years old boy at lower price, and the link you provided for Mikasa BX1000 leads to Mikasa BX1006 “elementary”. But the image on your site shows Mikasa BX1008 “youth”. please advise if they are the same balls?
Regards,
Edward
Hi Eddie,
I am seeing the same issue. The product image is automatically loaded onto my site via Amazon’s product API.
The title on Amazon’s product page, however, says it’s the BX1000.
I’m going to assume the title is leading. It’s probably the right one.
Sincerely,
Brian